Firefighters avert major damage as blaze hits shops on Pakata Road, Ilorin

A swift response by the Kwara State Fire Service on Saturday morning helped prevent what could have been a major disaster after a fire broke out at No. 61 Pakata Road, Ita-Ogunbo area of Ilorin at about 11:09 a.m.

According to an official statement signed by PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, MBA, the Public Relations Officer and Head of Media Unit for the agency, firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene after the distress call was received.

The affected property was a mixed-use building containing eight rooms and five shops. However, only one shop was damaged before the fire was brought under control, thanks to the prompt intervention of the fire service personnel.

“The prompt response of our men ensured the fire did not extend to other shops, rooms, and adjoining structures,” the statement noted.

Preliminary findings from the incident indicated that the fire was triggered by a power surge, which ignited combustible materials within the affected shop.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, warned residents and business owners to take electrical safety more seriously in order to prevent similar incidents.

“Residents must ensure the use of standard electrical installations and surge protectors. Do not leave electrical appliances unattended, especially during unstable power supply,” he said.

He further advised property owners to equip their premises with portable fire extinguishers to enable quick response at the early stage of any outbreak.

Also speaking, the agency’s spokesperson, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, reiterated the service’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, stressing that vigilance from the public remains key in preventing avoidable fire disasters.

The fire service assured residents that it will continue to respond promptly to emergencies while intensifying public sensitisation on fire safety practices across communities in the state.